Return to homepage. Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of the imprisonment of three Jehovah's Witnesses in Eritrea, where they have been subject to torture and allowed little contact with the world outside the prison walls. Thus, when the Witnesses contacted him, he immediately began to study the Bible with them and to attend their meetings. On 27 January, six female prisoners who were detained in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. It is also not acceptable for Eritrea to arbitrary detain political opponents in secret prisons without charge or trial in violation of human rights standards. paulos eyasu, isaac mogos and negede teklemariam releasedAppearance > Menus (619) Patriot (728-7468) lawrence township police department clearfield pa; OPR No: 12689 | Trapper ID No: 64965. Seventy Christians from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds, including women, have been released from three prisons in Eritrea, some after being held without charge for more than a decade, according to the U.K.-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Some Jehovahs Witness prisoners have been detained in metal shipping containers, while others were held in stone or metal buildings half buried in the ground. I urge the Eritrean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all of those who remain in prison because of their faith or belief. Amazing news! As a result, Witnesses are not allowed to hold government identity cards or business licenses, or to complete high school. international community to press Eritrea for the immediate and unconditional release both had been extensively and deliberately destroyed. Thank you Jehovah . Most of the prisoners were freed from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, near the capital, Asmara, on 1 February. Four Witness men have died while in prison, and three died after they were released because of the harsh conditions they suffered. As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years.In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. "I was with him the night before they arrested him," said Eyasu's friend, who asked for anonymity for protection. September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariamhave been incarcerated in the Eritrea since 1994 Why can't the government allow them to take part in an alternative civilian service group to fulfil their obligation? As of September 17, 2019, three of the Witnesses, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been unjustly incarcerated for 25 years. Finally, since my appointment, I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with Eritrean officials. They were held at the Sawa military training camp until 2017, when they were transferred to Mai Serwa prison, where they were briefly granted access to visitors for the first time since their imprisonment. In total, over 50 Jehovah's Witnesses are currently imprisoned in Eritrea, and all are kept at Mai Serwa prison. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. More commonly though, they arrested individuals for undisclosed reasons. The trioidentified as Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariamhave been incarcerated in. The new president declared that Eritrean-born Jehovahs Witnesses were no longer considered citizens primarily because they stood firm to their position of Christian neutrality by refusing to take part in National Service. They also cannot receive a complete education: 12th-grade education takes place at the Sawa military camp, but because Jehovah's Witnesses conscientiously object to military service, they do not register for their final year of education. Zenebu detailed how she looked on as she saw Eritrean soldiers loot the belongings from residents homes. Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, among others, have been imprisoned for over 20 years for their Christian faith. The practice of arbitrary and incommunicado detentions in Eritrea has serious impact on the life of many Eritreans. Finally to the clandestine world of art fraud and African artefacts, which are being sold to unsuspecting buyers, thanks to the fake UNESCO stamp they . 300 | Phoenix, AZ 85023 They may be third world/developing countries, but youd be shocked how wide-spread cellph. They are now aged 41, 40, and 38 respectively, having spent their youth in confinement. However, this good news must not obscure the Eritrean regimes continued complicity in egregious violations of human rights, both within its own borders and now in Tigray.. If you want to discuss this subject, we prefer that you start a new topic. Three men, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been in prison for conscientious objection to compulsory military service since 17 September 1994. I am concerned that the conditions in the camp have impact on the right to education. abducted and forced to return to Eritrea under duress by Eritrean forces., CSWs Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: CSW welcomes They are now in their late 30's-early 40's and still in prison. In December, 24 Jehovah's Witnesses were freed, among them high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years., Although their release has been welcomed, CSW said it is possible that Eritrea is trying to deflect international attention away from its involvement in the ongoing war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where Eritrean troops have been accused of acts of violence that may amount to war crimes or even genocide.. CSW's Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: "CSW welcomes the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or trial, and should never have been incarcerated. Because they will not participate in compulsory military service, Eritrean authorities consider them to be opposed to the regime. On December 4, 2020, 26 brothers and 2 sisters in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. They have spent between 5 and 26 years in prison. These are other examples of numerous cases of individuals who are currently languishing in Eritrean prisons, with no prospect of release. I am also concerned of the imapact of the national serice on the right to educaiton of Eritrean students. While I welcome the release by the authorities of the Christians and Jehovahs Witnesses, I have to note that Eritrea continues to impose restrictions on religious freedoms. However, this good news must not obscure the Eritrean regime's continued complicity in egregious violations of human rights, both within its own borders and now in Tigray. With no beauracracy or lengthy procedure - just released suddenly! She saw trucks being loaded with boxes of looted items that were to be delivered to places in Eritrea. While in prison, this man saw firsthand that Jehovah's Witnesses live by what they teach. Hope youll give us another try and check out some other articles. Stay up to date with the latest Christian news! I proposed that I visit Eritrea from 21 to 31 January 2021 to hold consultations with relevant officials from the Government and a range of actors with a view to assessing the human rights situation on the ground, and to exploring jointly future avenues for constructive engagement for the sake of the protection and promotion of human rights in the country. Like many others imprisoned in Eritrea, detained Jehovahs Witnesses have no legal recourse and so cannot challenge their indefinite detention. There were over 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray before the crisis, living largely in four refugee camps, including Hitsats, Mai-Aini, Adi Harush, and Shemelba. Jehovahs Witnesses are politically neutral and conscientiously cannot participate in military service. Turning to the issue of the human rights situation in Eritrea, since October 2020, I have seen no concrete evidence of progress or actual improvement in the human rights situation in the country. Four others died in prison and three died after release, reportedly as a result of their treatment. Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to work in government offices, and the state takes away their identity cards. At the same time, we will continue to keep the 24 brothers and sisters who remain in prison in Eritrea in our thoughts and prayers.Acts 12:5. I also ( suspiciously) wonder why this is happening now? They refuse to kill or receive training on how to kill. I wonder why they dont wear masks? We have been working with them in the field ministry and I had the priviledge of having a public talk, translated into Amahric. He was young and a person of impeccable character.". I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovahs Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the presentation of her report to the Human Rights Council in June 2020, and her interactive dialogue with the UN General Assembly on 26 October 2020. The trioidentified as Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariamhave been incarcerated in the East African nation since 1994, after refusing to partake in military service, part of their pacifist beliefs as Jehovah's Witnesses. https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=26795&LangID=E, Eritrea one of the least accessible countries for humanitarian organisations, Searches, Arrests, and Tension in Eritrea, Eritreas jailed journalist exhibition opens in UK Parliament, Dispute over Patriach splits Norwegian Orthodox church in two, Twenty one years after being jailed, Eritreas independent journalists are remembered in the British Parliament. It is my honour to present my first oral update to the Council since taking up the role of Special Rapporteur last November 2020. Three men, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam, have been in prison for conscientious objection to compulsory military service since 17 September1994. In recent years, prominent human rights bodies have expressed increasing concern over Eritreas blatant disregard for international human rights standards, including cases involving Jehovahs Witnesses. Human Rights Watch reported this was "the most common torture method noted by former conscripts and detainees, practiced in all the prisons and in Wi'a and Sawa military camps. There are no reliable figures on religious affiliation, but it is estimated that 49% of the population are Christian and 49% are Sunni Muslim.[1]. isaac mogos and negede teklemariam released . "The courage of these three men, along with the other 39 men and 10 women, imprisoned in Eritrea for refusing to compromise their faith have been an inspiration to Jehovah's Witnesses all around the world," Pichaud told Newsweek, adding that the church has requested a meeting with President Afwerki. In recent years, several human rights bodies have expressed increasing concern over Eritrea's treatment of Jehovah's Witnesses. However, since this presidential decree, security forces have imprisoned, tortured, and harassed Jehovahs Witnesses in an effort to force them to renounce their faith. Ten other men have been in prison for over ten years. Of the Jehovahs Witnesses currently imprisoned, 16 are known to have been arrested for conscientious objection to military service. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. I wonder if we'll learn at a later time the gravity of this And it has happened so suddenly! Christian Solidarity Worldwide has been informed that 70 Christians from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds were recently released from three prisons in Eritrea. https://www.jw.org/en/news/jw/#newsAlerts, Trimis de pe al meu Redmi Note 4 folosind Tapatalk, This so wonderful for our brothers!!!! Some of the prisoners had been held without charge or trial for up to 12 years. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1991 after 30 years of continuous armed struggle by the Eritrean Liberation Front. While the releases have been warmly welcomed, there is also speculation Esteemed Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, Negede Teklamarium most of all. On religious freedoms, I welcome the release of a large group of Christians. Three brothersPaulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariamhave been in prison since September 1994, and the government has held another nine brothers for at least ten years. High Commissioner said many refugees appear to have been caught in crossfire, Eritrea has not yet put in place an institutional and legal framework to uphold minimum human rights standards in a democratic society. I am also concerned of the imapact of the national serice on the right to educaiton of Eritrean students. ", In one case of torture at Sawa, a witness said unsuccessful deserters were tied to a corpse: One had been shot running away, the other two had their hands tied to the feet of the dead person. . Since 2006, JWTalk has proved to be a well-moderated online community for realJehovah's Witnesses on the web. There are currently 52 Jehovah's Witnesses being held without trial in Eritrea, according to the Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information. detained. The prisoners had been held between two and 12 years. Habtemichael Tesfamariam died at the age of76 on 3 January and Habtemichael Mekonen died at the age of77 on 6 March. In this oral update, I request the Eritrean authorities to give me full access to refugees and asylum seekers allegedly held in various prisons inside Eritrea. While the releases have been warmly welcomed, there is also speculation that they mark the latest effort by the Eritrean regime to distract international attention from the country's active role in the ongoing war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, where Eritrean troops have been accused of violence which may amount to crimes against humanity, war crimes and possibly genocide. On Dec. 4, the government released 24 Jehovahs Witnesses, including conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. In December 24 Jehovah's Witnesses were freed, among them high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. In my update today, I will focus on the (a) the human rights of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers in the context of the ongoing Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, which added a new complicated dynamic in monitoring the human rights of the Eritrean people, and (b) the progress made in relation to the benchmarks set out in the reports of my predecessor. Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose I've also been praying for them by first name, when I learned they were imprisoned, for over 20 years at that time. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I recently spoke with an ex-prisoner that spent a couple of years in Sawa prison with Jehovah's Witnesses (including Isaac, Negede and Paulos). The men's families appealed for help to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, but the Eritrean government has ignored their request to allow lawyers, family members, and doctors to visit the three prisoners. Afewerkis policy of restrictions is more about his fear that religion will mobilize people as a political force than religion per se. His heartmust be overflowing with praise and thanks to Jehovah. Since I started my mandate on 1 November 2020, I am monitoring the ongoing Tigray conflict in Ethiopia, which erupted on 4 November 2020, and its impact on the Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers. [2] Our Database is updated on a regular basis. [4] General Assembly of the United Nations, Situation of human rights in Eritrea. [4], The Special Rapporteur urged the Government of Eritrea to engage in dialogue with this congregation and release those in prison. Vote Religious Freedom Updates Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. Eritrean authorities imprisoned both men in 2008 without charges. In practice, human rights activists claim, the other faiths present in the country are not allowed to register, stripping them of their protections under the law: Last week, seven religious schools were seized by the government, including ones run by Protestant, Muslim and Catholic groups. In the context of COVID-19, I call on Eritrean authorities to release those particularly vulnerable, including older detainees and those who are sick. Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea (Report A/HRC/41/53) May 16, 2019. https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/G1914037.pdf. They hav, Sorry sister,but did you quote that from Wikipedia or have you actually been exposed to East African culture? That they were released just now and so many of them. [6] United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Annual Report, USCIRF. Turning to the issue of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, there has been no progress. managed to reach Mai Aini, one of the two remaining camps for Eritrean refugees "We feel deeply for Isaac, Negede, and Paulos, who have suffered harsh conditions for more than half their lives for refusing military service," Jehovah's Witnesses spokesperson Gilles Pichaud told Newsweek. 'Jesus Revolution' leaves out the tough stuff but gets the music right, Mark Wahlberg gives lessons on fasting during Lent, Sacked chaplain to appeal after losing employment tribunal case. We lock topics that areover 365 days old, and the last reply made in this topic was 758 days ago. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, approximately 20,000 refugees from Hitsat and Shimelba camps are currently missing. I urge the Eritrean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all of those who remain in prison because of their faith or belief. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. In addition, 39 men and 10 women who are Witnesses are also imprisoned. In Eritrea, Jehovahs Witnesses are in prison as conscientious objectors to military service, for holding underground religious meetings or for attempts to share their beliefs with others. On 1 February 2021, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons near Asmara. On 27 January 2021, six female prisoners detained for worshipping in public in September 2020 in Dekemhare, south-east of Asmara, were also released. . galaxy s22 ultra s view flip cover support@missionbadlaav.com; withings account already exists Menu. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". CSW welcomes the release of these Christians in Eritrea, who were detained without charge or trial, and should never have been incarcerated, CSW President Mervyn Thomas said. refugees from Hitsat and Shimelba camps are currently missing. On Dec. 4, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years. Eritrea's military abducted the victims with- out warrant or legitimate cause on September 17, 1994, ap- parently because they conscientiously objected to military service. . We also call for urgent action to arrest the The situation of detainees and political prisoners is particularly concerning. ultimate responsibility for human rights violations that are allegedly being Saddleback Church doubles down on support for female pastors, Mormonisms slow shift away from demonizing working mothers, Faith leaders urge Biden to sign executive order for reparations study by Juneteenth, For many congregations, wiping out medical debt has become a popular calling, Copyright 2020, Religion News Service. Turning to the issue of the human rights situation in Eritrea, since October 2020, I have seen no concrete evidence of progress or actual improvement in the human rights situation in the country. "We call on the international community to press Eritrea for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained arbitrarily on account of their religion or belief. Tradues em contexto de "acusaes em julgamento" en portugus-espanhol da Reverso Context : Logo, o ru no ter que responder. If you have any questions about our services, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.. What will happen to immigrants admitted through Bidens illegal parole program? It is also not acceptable for Eritrea to arbitrary detain political opponents in secret prisons without charge or trial in violation of human rights standards. The country lacks rule of law, a constitution and an independent judiciary to enforce the protection of and respect for human rights. Please click here to learn how. [emailprotected] A Christian migrant from Eritrea shows a crucifix made of wood after she attended a Sunday mass at the makeshift church in "The New Jungle" near Calais, France, August 2, 2015. Last month, witnesses spoke with TheAssociated Press, detailing killings, looting and other abuses committed by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been. There he found himself with three WitnessesPaulos Eyasu, Negede Teklemariam, and Isaac Mogoswho had been incarcerated for their faith since 1994. Is it related to the Civilwar in Ethiopia? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. HRWF (04.12.2020) On December 4, 2020, 26 male and 2 female Jehovahs Witnesses in Eritrea were set free after being imprisoned for their faith. Stand up for Human Rights. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovahs Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the presentation of her report to the Human Rights Council in June 2020, and her interactive dialogue with the UN General Assembly on 26 October 2020. Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam were detained on Sept. 17, 1994, apparently because they conscientiously objected to military service, according to a report published. For years, I prayed for the three brothers in Eritrea who were imprisoned for their faith longer than anyone else in JW history: Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam. This week marked 25 years in prison without charges or trial for three men in Eritrea. I call on Eritrean authorities to put an end to such treatments and comply with their international human rights obligations. The Afwerki government revoked the citizenship of the country's Witnesses, citing their refusal to vote in the 1993 independence referendum, as well as their objection to conscription. Apparently one of the brothers being released. Eritrea has failed to implement the recommendations issued by these authorities. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the . On 1 February, 21 female and 43 male prisoners were released from Mai Serwa and Adi Abeito prisons, close to the capital city, Asmara. Detainees and conscripts at military training camps are subject to torture, including a method called "otto," in which hands are tied together behind the back while victims lie on their stomachs. On Jan. 27, six female prisoners, who had been in detention since last September, in Dekemhare, which is southeast of Asmara, were also released. On religious freedoms, I welcome the release of a large group of Christians. These are other examples of numerous cases of individuals who are currently languishing in Eritrean prisons, with no prospect of release. Was this article helpful? Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, We need your help to continue this work. Ive prayed for these brothers and sisters ( often by name ) for many years. Get the latest from our news, events and meetings. By signing up you will receive news about CSW's work and how you can support it. While I welcome the release by the authorities of the Christians and Jehovahs Witnesses, I have to note that Eritrea continues to impose restrictions on religious freedoms. Learn more about each topic, see who's involved, and find the latest news, reports, events and more. parties, and sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear and orthodox backgrounds were recently released from three prisons in On 4 December 2020, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea in her final statement to the UN Third Committee in New York in But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Jehovah's Witnesses Imprisoned for Their Faith By Location On 4 December 2020, the government released 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the high-profile conscientious objectors Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea in her final statement to the UN Third Committee in New York in ( As I have their names memorized)! [3] European Parliament, Resolution on the cases of Abune Antonios and Dawit Isaak (2017/2755(RSP)) July 6, 2017. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0309_EN.html. Eritrean officials declined to attend a July hearing before the commission, in which the prisoners' lawyers said they would like to discuss a resolution to the case. I also welcome the release, on 4 December 2020, of 24 Jehovah's Witnesses, including the three conscientious objectors, Paulos Eyasu, Isaac Mogos and Negede Teklemariam, who had been held for 26 years, and whose cases were highlighted by the former UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in her statement during the Numerous Jehovahs Witnesses took part in these alternative options under different government administrations. HRWF puts a database of news from a variety of outside sources at the disposal of human rights researchers. to the UN Third Committee in New York in October 2020. Since gaining independence, Eritrea's government has required indefinite national service by physically able adults between 18 and 70 years of age. I also received first-hand accounts of allegations of grave human rights and humanitarian law violations, including extra judicial killings, targeted abductions and forced return of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers to Eritrea, allegedly by Eritrean forces. They were paraded round the camp in the back of a Toyota pickup truck. They also requested Eritrea to "ensure the legal recognition of conscientious objection to military service and provide for alternative service of a civilian nature for conscientious objectors.. Since there are no effective domestic legal procedures or remedies available to them, their imprisonment amounts to a de facto life sentence. All have maintained uncompromising integrity to Jehovah God. What's wrong with the House of Bishops' proposed same-sex prayers? I hope the Eritrean authorities will cooperate with my mandate and I am still awaiting their response. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended that the US government: [1] For more religious statistics, see U.S. Department of State, Office of International Religious Freedom, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Report on international Religious Freedom: Eritrea 2018, 2018. https://www.state.gov/reports/2018-report-on-international-religious-freedom/eritrea/. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports that the Christians - 70 in total - came from evangelical and orthodox backgrounds, with prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years.